Amaranth is an annual ornamental plant that has been grown for its edible grain-like seeds for millennia. Amaranth are characterized by large, broad leaves with prominent veining. Each plant produces a single flower at the end of the tall reddish stem. Colors are usually burgundy, red, pink, or salmon. Amaranth grows best in average, well-drained soil, so ensure your chosen site has good drainage and air circulation. It requires at least six hours of sunlight, acidic soil, and temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Amaranth is a versatile plant that is easy to grow and propagate. With its beautiful foliage striking flowers, and highly nutritious seeds amaranth makes an excellent addition to any garden. By learning simple propagation techniques, you can multiply your amaranth plants and keep this useful crop coming year after year.
Amaranth is an annual plant that is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. The attractive foliage ranges in color from green to red to purple depending on variety. Flower clusters are long lasting with colors spanning red, gold pink and white.
But it’s the nutritional value that makes amaranth so prized. The tiny seeds are packed with protein, lysine, calcium, and iron The young leaves are also edible and full of vitamins. With proper propagation, a few amaranth plants can provide a steady supply of nutritious greens and grain
Ways to Propagate Amaranth Plants
Amaranth is one of the easiest plants to propagate. Here are some simple, effective methods:
Start Seeds Indoors
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Like most annuals, amaranth is grown from seed each season. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date.
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Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in sterile seed starting mix. Keep soil moist and warm (70°F) until germination in 5-10 days.
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Transplant seedlings into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Space 9-12 inches apart in full sun.
Direct Sow Outdoors
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Amaranth can also be directly sown into the garden after soils have warmed in spring.
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Prepare a seedbed in full sun with loose, weed-free soil. Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep.
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Thin young plants to 9-12 inches apart when they are 2-4 inches tall.
Take Stem Cuttings
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Cut 4-6 inch stem tips from healthy amaranth plants in summer. Remove lower leaves.
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Dip cut end in rooting hormone and plant in sterile potting mix. Keep warm and moist until rooted.
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Transplant into garden or containers after 2-3 weeks when cuttings show new growth.
Save Seeds
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Allow amaranth flowers to dry on the plant completely at season’s end. Seeds readily fall from dried flower heads.
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Collect fallen seeds and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until next planting season.
Growing Conditions for Amaranth
Amaranth thrives in warm weather and needs full sun. Choose a site with fertile, well-draining soil for best results.
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Sun: At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
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Soil: Loose, fertile loam. Avoid heavy clay.
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pH: 5.5-7.5
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Temperatures: 65-95°F
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Water: Moderate, allow soil to partially dry between waterings
Caring for Amaranth Through the Seasons
Follow these simple tips for successful amaranth crops:
Spring
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Sow seeds or transplant young starts after danger of frost has passed
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Water new transplants daily until established; fertilize every 2-3 weeks
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Install trellising or provide garden stakes once plants reach 12 inches
Summer
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Water 1 inch per week; more in extreme heat
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Weed regularly to prevent competition for water and nutrients
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Harvest young leaves for salads or cooking; leave some plants for seeds
Fall
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Stop watering plants and allow them to completely dry out
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Harvest mature seed heads by cutting or shaking over a container
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Save seeds in an airtight container stored in a cool, dry place
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Amaranth is relatively trouble free, but watch for these potential issues:
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Leggy growth: Insufficient light, transplant too late
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Leaf yellowing: Under or overwatering, nitrogen deficiency
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Drooping leaves: Underwatering, check soil moisture
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Poor flowering/seed set: Extreme heat, inadequate pollination
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Pests: Caterpillars, leaf miners, cutworms, slugs/snails
Recommended Amaranth Varieties
Many species and cultivars are suitable for home propagation. Some top choices include:
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Green Thumb Amaranth – Versatile green foliage, ideal for salad greens or cooking
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Red Garnet Amaranth – Deep burgundy leaves, beautiful accent plant
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Golden Giant Amaranth – Huge golden seed heads on tall 8-foot plants
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Hopi Red Dye Amaranth – Vibrant red blooms, valued for natural dyes
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Opopeo Amaranth – Heirloom variety with excellent grain yields
The Benefits of Propagating Amaranth
Growing your own amaranth from seed, cuttings, or saved seeds offers many advantages:
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Produces nutrient-dense greens and seeds for home use
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Provides beautiful, long-lasting foliage and flowers
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Ideal for gardens, containers, and micro-greens
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Suited to a range of climates and growing zones
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Extremely versatile – leaves, seeds, and flowers all edible
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Simple propagation for an ongoing harvest
With minimal effort, it’s easy to propagate prolific amaranth in any garden. Follow these techniques to gain a steady supply of this multipurpose plant for seasons to come. The beautiful colors and nutritious seeds make amaranth a worthwhile addition both ornamentally and functionally.
Bloom Months
Amaranth typically begins blooming in July.
Pruning
Provide support for these heavy plants, such as tomato cages, stakes, or netting, to keep them upright. Pinch the plants for more manageable plants that dont grow over 6 feet. Cut back the center stem when the plants are about knee height. Clipping the main stem will promote branching with smaller and easier-to-access stems.
After harvesting the flowers, “deadhead” the spent blooms so they do not go to seed and continue to send up blooms until frost arrives.
How to Make New Plants Fast! – Easy Plant Propagation
FAQ
How do you propagate amaranth from cuttings?
Does amaranth regrow after cutting?
How to germinate amaranth?
What is the propagation of Amaranthus?
How do you propagate amaranth?
Amaranth plant propagation can be done using seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds are the most common method of propagating amaranth plant. The first step is to collect the seeds from a mature plant. Allow the flowers to dry up and the seeds will fall off naturally. Collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
How do you plant amaranth seeds?
Amaranth is versatile and can be transplanted or direct sown. The seeds are tiny, so you may need to use the “toothpick method” for planting seeds. Pour the seeds into a small bowl, wet the toothpick with your tongue, then dip it in the seeds to pick up 1-2 seeds on the toothpick. Transfer seeds to your trays or desired planting spot.
Can I grow amaranth seeds?
You should cultivate larger plants specifically grown for their seeds if you want to harvest the amaranth grain. Some popular varieties include: Red-leaf amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor): This variety has especially nutritious foliage that tastes like slightly tangy spinach. ‘Molten Fire’ and ‘Joseph’s Coat’ are popular cultivars of this species.
When should I start amaranth?
Starting amaranth indoors can give you a jumpstart on the season. I sow seeds about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. On the flip side, outdoor sowing is direct and straightforward once warm weather is consistent. Just remember, amaranth plants can get tall, so they’ll need space to stretch their leaves.